What medical term is associated with a fracture involving both the bone and surrounding soft tissue?

A fracture that involves both the bone and the surrounding soft tissue is referred to as a compound fracture, also known as an open fracture. This type of fracture is characterized by the broken bone being exposed through the skin, which can lead to a higher risk of infection and complications due to the direct exposure of the bone to the external environment. The significance of this term lies in the increased severity of treatment required, as both the fracture itself and the damage to surrounding tissues need to be addressed in the healing process.

In contrast, a simple fracture refers to a break in the bone that does not pierce the skin, meaning that the surrounding soft tissue remains intact. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that often results from repetitive force or overuse, while a pathological fracture occurs due to an underlying disease that weakens the bone, such as osteoporosis or cancer. None of these alternatives involve both bone and soft tissue injury in the same manner as a compound fracture.